Branch News
- Celtic Beer Festival Ticket Discount offer
Friday 19 September 2025
From Charlotte Turner of St Austell Brewery
Hi everyone,
Exciting news for you, we are releasing our pre-sale Celtic Beer Festival tickets (November 21 and 22nd) on Friday (tomorrow) for online sale at 11am.
New for 2025: We’re hosting a Preview Night on Friday 21st November in addition to the main Celtic Beer Festival on the 22nd. This will be a relaxed, intimate evening for beer lovers to beat the crowds, sample exclusive brews and meet our brewing team ahead of Saturday’s festival.
I’m pleased to let you know that we have brought in a 20% discount to CAMRA members for the Friday night event.
The discounted Friday ticket will be listed as Friday Festival Preview CAMRA Member for £20 - members will need to bring a valid CAMRA ID to the event with them.
Details and a link to buy tickets for both the Friday evening and Saturday Celtic Beer Festival will be here for tomorrow: https://www.staustellbrewery.co.uk/celtic-beer-festival
Many thanks,
Charlotte
- New Bottle Shop opens in St Ives
Monday 8 September 2025
A New Pantry store has opened in St Ives offering bottles from some of Cornwalls top breweries.
Currently in stock at The Cornish Pantry are the following breweries:
Tintagel Mine Keltek Dynamite Valley Lizard Ales Treens
Many more to follow. CAMRA members receive 10% discount off of all beer purchases upon showing a membership card or proof of membership.
- Bodmin pub scoops CAMRA South West Pub of the Year!
Wednesday 20 August 2025
The Hole in the Wall in Bodmin, Cornwall has won CAMRA’s South West Pub of the
Year 2025 competition.
Having already won the Cornwall CAMRA branch Pub of the Year, the Hole in the Wall has gone on to be named one of the top 16 pubs in the UK, claiming the South West Pub of the Year title.
The Hole in the Wall will now battle it out for the chance to be named CAMRA’s overall Pub of the Year, with the longlist being whittled down to just four finalists in October.
Peter Bridle, CAMRA South West Regional Director, said:
“The Hole in the Wall is a very welcoming community pub with great customer service. It is a traditional and eclectic pub with a single bar and a superb selection of up to six well-kept cask beers, regularly featuring in CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide. “The pub is very popular with locals and has character and charm in abundance. CAMRA branches in the region nominated some terrific pubs and the level of entries in the competition was very high, so to come out on top is quite an achievement.”
Dave Pedlar, Cornwall CAMRA spokesperson, said:
“I would like to congratulate Steve and his team on the significant achievement of being crowned CAMRA’s South West Pub of the Year. Steve and his team have been rewarded for the years of dedication and hard work shown in turning the Hole in the Wall into a renowned location famed for the range and quality of cask beers. The pub is a venue for cask enthusiasts, not only from Bodmin, but the whole of Cornwall and further afield.”
Hole in the Wall landlord, Steve Hall who has run the pub for 22 years, said: “I was so chuffed to win this award, and this is a wonderful accolade for my team and I after all these years.”
Judges commented on the pub being very friendly with very helpful and knowledgeable staff, well run and good value for money, well worth a visit and would have liked to have stayed longer.
The award presentation at the Hole in the Wall will be on Saturday 30 August at
- Duloe Beer Festival Ticket Update
Wednesday 13 August 2025
After contacting the organisers of the Duloe Beer Festival, they have confirmed that the festival is advanced ticket only and no tickets will be available on the gate. Now all gone!!!
- Save the Date - Saturday 30th August 2025
Wednesday 13 August 2025
Please save the date and keep free for a Branch Social. Details to be announced soon but you will not want to miss this one!!
- Basset Arms Portreath Reopens following full refurbishment
Tuesday 12 August 2025
.
The Basset Arms in Portreath has reopened following a full refurbishment by new owners Carbis Bay Collection.
- Cornwalls newest brewery invites you to Penzance Saturday 16th
Monday 11 August 2025
Cornwalls newest brewery are holding a pop up at the taproom on Saturday and Sunday this weekend (Saturday all day and Sunday 12 till around 4/5) with a full range of beers available and a small food offering + more for the non-beer drinkers.
- New Real Ale Bottle Store opening in St Ives, Cornwall
Friday 8 August 2025
Wednesday 13th August will see the opening of a new Pantry store in St Ives hosting a Real Ale Bottle Section. A number of Cornish Brewers are involved and more to be added in phase two when open.
Tintagel Brewery
Treens Brewery
Mine Brewery
Dynamite Valley Brewery
Keltek Brewery
Lizard Ales Brewery
10% off in store to CAMRA members when showing a current membership card.
The Cornish Pantry, 17 Fore Street, St Ives, Cornwall, TR26 1AB
- New Social events added to Diary
Friday 8 August 2025
Please keep an eye on the Diary page for socials that have been added
- Penzance Mild Champion Beer of Britain
Friday 8 August 2025
. Lewis Elliott and Richard Hickman of Penzance Brewery Co. with their award
Penzance Mild has been named the Champion Beer of Britain 2025 The award is a huge win for the Cornish brewery, putting both the team and their traditional dark mild in the national and international spotlight. The competition takes two years to complete, with blind tastings across local, regional, and national rounds by expert judges and CAMRA members. Lewis Elliott and Richard Hickman of Penzance said:
“It’s quite overwhelming. I'm really glad the style has come back. It’s down to the founder of our brewery Peter Elvin and his nephew Rob, who showed me the ropes. I can’t believe we are here right now, it’s mad!” CAMRA's Awards Director, Gary Timmins, added: “I’m over the moon for Penzance, with Mild being a deserving Champion Beer of Britain. From CAMRA members nominating their favourites, through to those tough regional rounds, to the final panel of judges, this is a vigorous and fiercely independent competition, and Mild has come out on top.
“I hope everyone will join me on the Great British Beer Festival floor where you can try all our final twelve beers, each one is top quality, and each brewer deserves a congratulations in their own right.” St Austell’s Proper Job also secured Gold in the Champion Bottled Beer of Britain category, a fantastic day for Cornish beer.
- WW11 RAF Historian/Heritage request for Cornwall Pubs
Friday 8 August 2025
Dear Kernow CAMRA Team,
I hope this email finds you well. I'm reaching out because I'm currently authoring a book focused on the public houses that served as gathering places for RAF and USAAF personnel during the Second World War, which is scheduled for publication next spring. Given CAMRA's reputation for pub heritage preservation and your branch's local expertise, I was hoping you might be able to help with this historical project.
I've completed the majority of my initial research and have identified many pubs in your area that played significant roles in the wartime experiences of aircrew and ground personnel. Specifically, I'm researching the following pubs and their connections to nearby airfields and squadrons during 1940-1945:
Miners Arms (Mithian) The Old Ship (Padstow) Golden Lion (Padstow) Falcon Inn (Newquay) Traveller's Rest (Newquay) Watergate Bay Hotel (Newquay) The London Inn (Padstow) While I have the basic historical framework established, I'm now looking to enrich the narrative with additional local histories, personal stories, anecdotes, and firsthand accounts that might help bring these venues to life for readers. Often, the most compelling details about wartime pub life come from local sources and community memories that might not appear in official records.
I'm also actively seeking period photographs of these establishments - both exterior and interior shots - with particular interest in images featuring service personnel, squadron gatherings, or other wartime scenes. Original WWII-era photographs would be invaluable, though later historical images that capture the character of these venues would also be greatly appreciated.
I was wondering if your branch might have access to resources that could assist this project, or if you could help connect me with current pub owners, local historians, or community members who might have stories, photographs, or other materials they'd be willing to share? I'm committed to proper attribution and would be delighted to acknowledge any contributions in the published work.
This project aims not only to document an important aspect of wartime social history but also to celebrate the role these establishments played in supporting the young men and women who served during one of Britain's most challenging periods. I believe it aligns well with CAMRA's mission to preserve and promote pub heritage and would be happy to discuss how my research might help with CAMRA's mission.
I'd be happy to discuss this project in more detail at your convenience if that would be helpful. Please let me know if you'd like additional information about the book or the specific research I'm conducting in your area.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
Justin Omps
moc.liamg@spmo.nitsuj
- EGM
Monday 28 July 2025
Please join us for an EGM related to the resignation of Paul W as Chairman.
The branch is at a pivotal stage and can move forward stronger with more people volunteering their time.
Old Ale House, Truro 12 for 12.30 on Saturday 13th September 2025.
- PotS Summer Nominations
Monday 28 July 2025
Please can members select and nominate their Pub of the Season for Summer. The nominations are to be sent to Dave Pedlar at ku.gro.armac.llawnroc@rerusaerT
- Blue Anchor PotS Spring presentation Tuesday 15 July 2025
- Exeter Pub for Lease
Wednesday 2 July 2025
A message from East Devon branch
Hello all Anyone interested in leasing the Great Western Hotel ground floor pub. All furnished and no major work required.
If you're interested, please phone Raj on 07590 036786.
- Derek Crofts Funeral (updated)
Tuesday 24 June 2025
Derek Crofts funeral will be on Tuesday 1st July at Penmount Crematorium at 11.30am followed by a wake at the Seiners Arms, Perranporth.
Dress code smart casual
Live stream available as per below information.
.
- Pub of the Season Summer nominations wanted
Tuesday 24 June 2025
Can all nominations for Pub of the Season Summer be sent through to Dave Pedlar .
Nominations received to date:
The Ship Inn - Porthleven
Trewellard Arms - Trewellard
The Old Ale House - Truro
Red River Inn - Gwithian
White Hart - Chilsworthy
- Pub of the Season Spring award presentation at the Blue Anchor, Helston on Wednesday 2nd July
Monday 23 June 2025
.
Come and join us at the Blue Anchor Helston for the certificate presentation of the Pub of the Season Spring on Wednesday 2nd July - 1.00 for 1.30
- CAMRA & St Austell Brewery Celebrate The Fountain Inn being in 40 issues of the GBG
Friday 20 June 2025
.
Presentation to Billy Moore by Dave Pedlar CAMRA (right) and Directors of St Austell Brewery Piers Thompson and Georgina Young.
Full article will appear in the July edition of One and Ale
- Collectable Beers for sale
Thursday 19 June 2025
A letter received today. Please contact directly if interested to purchase or if you know who may be in the market?
I don't know if you or any of your members can help me? I have several bottles of beer I want to sell before a house move. They are reputed to be collectable, e.g Courage Imperial Russian Stout. Is there anywhere, or anyone in the Cornwall area that buys these? And I would welcome any suggestions/advice from your members.
I can send pictures with a further email if required.
Yours sincerely, Dave Wilkes.
moc.liamg@76adsekliw
01209 713718.
- Derek Crofts R.I.P
Monday 16 June 2025
.
We are sorry to hear of the passing of ex Chairman Derek Crofts. Derek was Chairman of CAMRA Kernow in the 90’s and will be sadly missed.
All at CAMRA raise a glass to Derek and send condolences to friends and family at this time.
- National Beer Day UK - 15th June 2025
Thursday 12 June 2025
Beer Day Britain is an annual celebration on 15 June for all beer lovers and it celebrates beer of all styles and the amazing pubs, social clubs and taprooms who serve them. Take part in the Cheers To Beer at 7pm (19.00h) on June 15th as millions of people across the UK raise a glass, say ‘Cheers to Beer’ and post a message on social media with the hashtag #CheersToBeer.
- New Brewery & Cask Taproom coming soon to Penzance Thursday 12 June 2025
- Totnes Beer Festival Volunteer Call
Thursday 12 June 2025
Totnes Beer Festival being held at Totnes civic hall from Thursday 3rd July to Saturday 5th July are needing Camra members to volunteer to help out at this event. If you can give some time to this event please contact Dave Butler from South Devon Camra at Email ku.gro.armac.novedhtuos@riahcfb or contact by phone 07772 568280
- Bush Fest Beer List for this weekend
Wednesday 11 June 2025
.
- Beer Magazine Summer 25 now available
Monday 9 June 2025
CAMRA Beer Magazine Summer 25 now available by clicking the hyperlink below.
- 10% Discount on Cask purchases confirmed at these St Austell Pubs
Sunday 8 June 2025
You can now receive 10% discount off Cask Ale purchases at these participating St Austell Pubs upon showing your Camra membership card.
.
- Blue Anchor Helston wins CAMRA Kernow Pub of the Season Spring
Saturday 31 May 2025
.
Blue Anchor held off some stiff competition to be named CAMRA Kernow Pub of the Season Spring 26.
- Beer Magazine Spring 2025 Tuesday 27 May 2025
- Penzance Mild finalist in National Champion Beer of Britain 2025
Wednesday 21 May 2025
Penzance Brewing Co has achieved the accolade of being in the final of the prestigious Champion Beer of Britain along with 5 other national finalists. This was announced after the CAMRA Cambridge Beer Festival.
- Probus Commrades Beer Festival Beer List
Tuesday 20 May 2025
.
- Steve Buxton to lead the distribution of the Newsletter moving forwards
Wednesday 14 May 2025
Steve Buxton wilm take on the role for the next edition which is going to be unreal.
Thank you Steve
Distribution Coordinator for One & Ale Newsletter
Next Issue: July 2025
Are you a great organiser with a few hours to spare each month? We’re looking for a Distribution Coordinator to help get our much-loved One & Ale newsletter into the hands of pubs, clubs, and breweries across the region.
What’s Involved:
Work from a spreadsheet of delivery locations
Allocate bundles to our team of volunteer distributors
Ensure smooth and timely delivery of the newsletter each quarter
What We’re Looking For:
Good organisational skills
Basic spreadsheet know-how
A few hours of your time around each publication date (four times a year)
No heavy lifting or distribution required – just coordination
Why It Matters:
This role is key to keeping our local beer-loving community informed and engaged. You’ll be making sure One & Ale continues to reach the right places – and people – on time.
If you’re interested or want to find out more, please get in touch with Paul Waller by email at ku.gro.armac.llawnroc@namriahc or 07465 735333
Let’s raise a glass to good coordination!
- Fountain Inn 40 years in there GBG Presentation
Tuesday 13 May 2025
Celebrate 40 Years in the Good Beer Guide!
Join CAMRA Kernow and St Austell Brewery as we honour a true Cornish gem — The Fountain Inn, Mevagissey — for an incredible 40 consecutive years in the Good Beer Guide!
Thursday 29th May 2025
From 4:30pm
The Fountain Inn, Mevagissey
Raise a glass with us to this remarkable achievement in real ale excellence. All are welcome — come along for a pint and a proper celebratio
- Audio interview with Brewing Director Georgina Young from St Austell Brewery Friday 9 May 2025
- Mild Festival Line Up - Saturday 10th May
Thursday 8 May 2025
Please join CAMRA on Saturday 10th May from 12 noon at the Old Ale House in Truro for a festival celebrating the beer style Mild.
.
- Discount increase at The Old Ale House Truro
Thursday 1 May 2025
From 1st May 2025 CAMRA members, on showing an up today membership card, can secure 10% discount in The Old Ale House, Truro. Jack Key agreed to the increase post lengthy negotiations with our Debbie & Sally.
We thank Jack and his team for their support and can't wait to see as many members and non members as possible at the mild Festival on the 10th May. Five Mild beers in one pub!!
- Shorebreak by Firebrand Bronze medal at World Alcohol Free Awards
Tuesday 29 April 2025
Bronze at World Alcohol Free Awards!
Firebrand the Cornish brewery are buzzing to bring home a bronze at the World Alcohol-Free Awards for our Shorebreak Alcohol-Free Hazy Pale!
This beer has been a huge success for us, so it’s great to see it pick up an award. Huge thanks for all of your support!
- CAMRA Kernow Pub of the Year - The Hole in the Wall
Sunday 27 April 2025
.
CAMRA Kernow Pub of the Year 2025: The Hole in the Wall, Bodmin
The Hole in the Wall in Bodmin has been named Cornwall CAMRA’s Pub of the Year for 2025, marking its fourth win of this prestigious award. This accolade underscores the pub’s unwavering commitment to quality real ales, exceptional service, and a welcoming atmosphere. CAMRA - The Campaign for Real Ale
A large crowd attended on Saturday to see the certificate awarded to Steve Hall by Russ Durbridge.
A Historic Venue with a Rich Legacy
Located on Crockwell Street, The Hole in the Wall occupies a building with a storied past. Dating back to the mid-1700s, it originally served as a debtor’s prison. The name “Hole in the Wall” reflects its history, where food was passed to prisoners through a hole in the wall. Today, the pub retains much of its historic charm, featuring vintage décor, military memorabilia, and a unique ambiance that attracts both locals and visitors.
A Team Effort Behind the Success
Landlord Steve Hall, who has managed the pub since 2003, expressed his delight upon receiving the award. He credited the success to the dedicated team, including manager Ruth Howiantz and bar staff member Elai Mahoney. Hall emphasized the importance of teamwork in maintaining the pub’s high standards and creating a welcoming environment for all patrons.
Commitment to Quality Real Ales
The Hole in the Wall is renowned for its impressive selection of real ales, sourced from local and regional breweries. The pub’s dedication to serving top-quality beer has been a key factor in its repeated recognition by CAMRA.
Overcoming Challenges
In 2024, the pub faced a challenge when its CAMRA award was temporarily withdrawn due to a complaint about a historical artefact on display. The item, a World War II-era swastika armband, was promptly removed, and the award was reinstated following a review by CAMRA’s national Awards Committee. This incident highlighted the pub’s responsiveness to concerns and its commitment to maintaining an inclusive environment.
Looking Ahead
With this latest accolade, The Hole in the Wall continues to be a cornerstone of Bodmin’s community and a beacon for real ale enthusiasts. As it prepares to compete in the regional CAMRA Pub of the Year contest, the pub remains dedicated to its mission of providing excellent beer and fostering a warm, inclusive atmosphere for all.
For those interested in experiencing this award-winning pub firsthand, The Hole in the Wall is located at Crockwell Street, Bodmin, Cornwall. It offers a selection of real ales, traditional pub fare, and a glimpse into Cornwall’s rich history.
- Mike Clements
Friday 25 April 2025
Mike Clements today has accepted the role of Branch Beer Scoring Scheme (NBSS) Coordinator
Many thanks to Mike for stepping up.
- One & Ale Newsletter
Friday 25 April 2025
.
The One & Ale Newsletter is now ready for distribution.